The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Sabangan is pursuing a disaster strategy called, “Fire Line Project,” to protect community and prevent possible disaster especially fire, landslides, and erosion.
BFP Sabangan explained that ‘Fire Line’ is another way to prevent fire from spreading in other areas in an area.
In the strategy, grasses and other potential sources of fire will be removed and cleared to at least 1.5 meters between trees. The BFP construct to use natural features of the forest such as roads, rocks, footpath and others. They will also be using mechanical tools to create more fire lines.
Accordingly, fire will be contained in the area where there are grasses or trees nearby to case the flame from spreading. As such, the BFP explained that to lessen the fire intensity near the fire lines, small trees, shrubs, and grasses are cleared of. Thus, the cleared area within the perimeter of the trees will not be affected.
To enact the project, the BFP will coordinate to the different agencies such as the Local Government Unit (LGU), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Barangays LGUs, and land owner as partners to ensure that the response for forest fires will be more efficient and quicker.
The Fire Line Project focuses on eliminating the potential source of hazard may give a better defensive line for fire not to spread across lands and forests.
Meanwhile, around 1pm of February 14, a forest fire broke out near Barangay Poblacion which affected around 27.5 hectares. The incident pushed the BFP to implement the Fire Line Project as soon as partner stakeholders conscientiously agreed on the terms of references.
Further, the BFP disclosed that they do not have enough equipment when forest fire incidents broke out leading the agency to re-strategize ways and mechanisms capitalizing on human and environmental resources.
Nevertheless, the BFP amplifies their Information, Education, and communication (IEC) Campaigns to increase disaster awareness and conducts training workshop on immediate fire response to the community.
On the other hand, the BFP continues to inspect all buildings, establishment and old houses in the community to check electric wirings and gas hose to avoid related fire incident.
The BFP hopes the people of Sabangan to cooperate with them towards a fire-free and disaster resilient and responsive community.
By Jordan D. Alcaide